How to download iOS 10.3.3 developer beta 6 to your iPhone or iPad

iOS 10.3.3 is on its way with new features, several that require lots of third-party developer input. As such, the company is releasing developer betas so that software engineers can get a head start on making great software for you.

How to make an archived backup of your iPhone or iPad

Before you begin, make sure you back up your iPhone or iPad. While the beta process is fairly straight forward, any time you make any significant change to your device you risk problems. And with your personal data, it's always — always! — better to be safe than sorry. Even if you back up every night, you'll want to make sure it's absolutely up-to-date.

Plug iPhone or iPad into your Mac or Windows PC.

Launch iTunes.

Click on the iPhone or iPad icon in the menu bar when it appears.

Make sure backup is set to This Computer. (And enable Encrypted backup — it's worth it!)

Click on Back Up Now. (Click on Encrypt Backup and add a password — you want the security.)

Back up Apps, if asked.

Press Command, to open Preferences. (Or go to iTunes in the menu bar and click on Preferences.

Click on the Devices tab.

Option-click on your Backup and choose Archive.

Archiving will prevent your current backup from being overwritten by an iOS 10 backup in the future, should you want to revert for any reason.

How to register your account for the iOS 10.3 beta

Before you do anything else, make sure you have a developer account with Apple — without a paid account, you won't be able to download any non-Xcode betas.

How to install the iOS 10.3 beta

Launch Settings from your Home screen, tap on General, then tap on Software Update.

Once the update appears, tap on Download and Install.

Enter your Passcode.

Tap Agree to the Terms and Conditions.

Tap Agree again to confirm.

Your iPhone or iPad will reboot to install iOS 10.3. There will be a couple progress bars going across the screen. Sit tight, and let everything finish.

How to get started with iOS 10.3 beta

Once your iPhone or iPad reboots, it'll be running iOS 10.3. There's a brief bit of setup you'll need to go through, however, as the system will have changed enough that it'll need your login to complete the update.

Once that's done, you'll be on the Home screen and ready to rock iOS 10.

What if I want to go back to iOS 10.2.1?

iOS 10.3 beta 1 updates your device's file system to the new Apple File System (APFS). As such, you won't be able to downgrade once the update is complete.

What's new in iOS 10?

So much! We've written a bunch about the new operating system, including a detailed FAQ and sections on its new user interface, Lock screen, Messages app, and lots more.

Update July 5, 2017: Apple has just released iOS 10.3.3 beta 6 for developers. If you have a previous iOS 10 beta installed, you can head to Settings > General > Software Updates and get started downloading. If you were waiting for beta 6 to get started with iOS 10.3.3, keep reading and we'll help you get set up.